Conbee III is a universal Zigbee USB gateway (or coordinator), with the help of which PC or Raspberry Pi-based home automation systems can communicate with Zigbee network devices using the Zigbee protocol. Conbee III is one of the most popular platform-independent Zigbee coordinators with wide Zigbee device and platform compatibility.

Due to its cloud-free, local operation:

- Factory registration is not required for its use
- Supports local device management without internet
- All data (e.g. status of lights, switches, sensor values) remains on the local network

ConBee III is a universal Zigbee USB gateway

- Supports Zigbee devices from many manufacturers
- No cloud is required for its operation
- Thanks to the built-in signal amplifier, it emits a strong ZIgbee signal (indoors up to 30m, outdoors up to 200m)
- Compatible with all major home automation systems

Cloud-free operation

- Contains SiLabs EFR32MG21 chip
- Custom Zigbee 3.0 or Zigbee Green Power firmware can also be used (DIY)
- Compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and will support Thread and Matter standards in the future
- Has a physical push button to access service functions

Zigbee device compatibility

ConBee III is compatible with a wide range of lights, switches and sensors from Philips Hue, Ikea Tradfri, Xiaomi Aqara, Ledvance Smart+, Silvercrest, Schneider Electric, Nous and Sonoff.

Platform independent solution

ConBee III with any mini-computer, e.g. With Raspberry Pi, Intel NUC, as well as PCs and laptops, it expands these with Zigbee functionality.

Simple platform migration

With the help of the "backup" function of the Phoscon App, the Zigbee installation can be transferred to the new system, for example, the current settings can be migrated, e.g. from a ConBeeII to a ConBee III.

- Open Phoscon app, backup and save.
- Stop the gateway and replace ConBee II with ConBee III.
- Turn on the gateway and log into the Phoscon app.
- Loading the backup file.
- Network parameters are updated in the background and software A restarts. This may take up to a minute.
- The network can now be controlled via ConBee III.

Compatibility with home automation systems

ConBee II is integrated with most major smart home / home automation platforms, enabling exciting automations.

For example, any Zigbee device can be used with the Conbee II with HomeKit via a Homebridge hue.

- Homebridge-hue
- Home assistant
- Deconz docker container
- Zigbee2mqtt
- Node-ed
- Fhem
- Iobroker
- Domoticz
- Openfoam

Signal strength

- Up to 30m inside a building
- Up to 200m in barrier-free areas

Thanks to the built-in signal amplifier, the ConBee III offers a fantastic range. The Zigbee signal can pass through 2-3 rooms or floors, of course, depending on the building construction.

Devices installed further away from the Zigbee coordinator can be connected to it via a Zigbee Mesh network. Zigbee Mesh (signal transmission function) can be provided by Zigbee devices operating on a constant 230V (phase + neutral) power supply, such as bulbs, light switches, connectors, they can function as Zigbee Mesh signal repeaters.

Phoscon software

The Phoscon App can be used to integrate and control many popular Zigbee devices, as well as set up automations and rules.

deCONZ is recommended for configuring, controlling and displaying Zigbee networks.

ZSHARK is an extension of the Wireshark network analyzer sniffing tool.

Technical specification

- Manufacturer: Dresden Electronics
- Product type: Universal Zigbee coordinator
- Name: Microcontroller EFR32MG21 ARM® Cortex®-M33
- Transmission power: max. 10 mW
- Signal strength: max. 200 m in a barrier-free environment
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
- Radio standard: IEEE 820.15.4 / Zigbee 3.0
- Flash memory: 1024 kByte
- Storage temperature: -20°C-55°C
- Operating temperature: -20°C-55°C
- Operating systems: Microsoft Windows 7 / 10 / 11, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi OS / Raspbian, Docker

Installation / operation

- Operating power supply: 5V DC USB
- Connection: 5V USB socket
- Operating ambient temperature: 20 °C-55 °C

Supported protocols

- Wi-Fi: No
- Zigbee: Yes
- Z-Wave: No
- RF / radio control: No

Remote control, smart control

- Can be controlled remotely via the Internet: Yes
- Cloud mode (with factory firmware): No
- Local network mode (with factory firmware): Yes
- MQTT support (with factory firmware): Yes

Other

- Dimensions: 1.8 × 6.0 × 0.9 cm